Blog: Eating on a Cruise

My family went on a cruise this summer with extended family. We had a blast and got to have so many fun adventures. We tubed through an underground cave, ziplined through a jungle canopy and snorkeled in beautiful caribbean waters.  It was my first cruise and I really enjoyed it. 

Has anyone ever eaten on a cruise? I was overwhelmed! The choices were incredible and the food was excellent, BUT way too much. I can now see why people gain 5-10 lbs in a week!

I got in line at the lunch buffet and grabbed a plate…no wait it was a platter! I have serving platters at home that were the same size. Probably 14 inches across! By the time I filled it with all of the yummy choices I had enough for 3 people. No way I could have nor should have eaten that much. Case in point, my son sat down next to me and looked at his platter and said “Wow, I didn’t realize how much I took”. 

Unfortunately, I saw many people who were very over weight. Now I know why. So, how can we avoid eating portions that are too big. One way is to use a smaller plate (not a platter). I recommend using a 9 inch plate so your food will fill the plate. Learning to visualize the appropriate amount of food to eat is a key to successful weight management. 

The other key is to eat six small meals a day. When anticipating that big meal don’t starve yourself for the whole day. When I am really hungry, I pile up that plate with lots of food because I saved up for it. I also feel that I deserve to eat whatever I want because I saved calories just for this. That is a set up for disaster! Overeating and packing on the pounds.

Instead make the event all about the people, friendships or meeting new people. Eat every three hours up to the event and then watch your plate size the the portions your take. Maybe just a small taste of several things. Really all you need is a taste not a huge serving to enjoy the food. Scan the food and make good lean and green choices. Then just take one bite of the dessert or someone else’s dessert! My husband and I often split a serving or a dessert. That works for me!

Like me on facebook -  facebook.com/coachcindybehm